Pheromones are complex chemicals produced by insects. These chemicals are used by insects to communicate with other members of the same species. For instance, some female insects produce a pheromone that attracts males at mating time.

Some pheromones are known to attract males over long distances - 10 miles or more in some cases.

Scientists have been able to identify the chemical structure of many insect pheromones. Synthetic pheromones are now available for European cornborers and black cutworm moths.

Entomologists use synthetic pheromones to attract insects to traps. Insect counts from these traps are used to determine peak periods of insect activity. This information is helpful in timing scouting and control procedures.

Some entomologists think it's a dirty trick to use a sex pheromone to attract a moth to a trap. But some farmers think it's an even dirtier trick for cutworms or cornborers to attack a corn crop.